Ship a Car from Florida to Massachusetts (and vice-versa) – All you need to know

Finding the best way of shipping a car from Massachusetts to Florida or from Florida to Massachusetts is critical if you’ve got a vehicle you need to move. Ideally, when you want to ship a car to another state, it should suit your budget and, in addition, meet your needs and expectations.

Luckily for you, there are many ways you can ship a car to Florida from Massachusetts or vice versa, and in this post, we’ll examine your top five options. As you might expect, they each have their pros and cons, and you’ll have several things to consider. 

Car shipping options

Between Massachusetts and Florida, there are over 1300 miles which is quite a distance to travel if you want to move your car from these two popular states. If you were to drive non-stop, it would take more than 21 hours, but that’s not a smart thing to do. 

You could also hire someone to drive it for you, ask a friend or family member to drive it, or fly it in a plane. 

Alternatively, one of the quickest, safest, easiest, and most convenient ways to ship a car is to use auto transport services from Florida to Massachusetts (and vice versa).

Different types of car shipping services

Let’s explore all these options because there’s no reason why you should take our word for it. With all the critical information, you’ll be able to make an informed decision.      

1. Drive yourself

We’ve already mentioned how far it is from Massachusetts to Florida and vice versa. It’s certainly not a journey you can do in one day. Of course, an old-fashioned road trip sounds super exciting. You’d be able to explore various attractions along the way.

To make the most of this super long journey, you’d have to split it up into smaller sections of say 250 miles each. It’s going to take the best part of one week if you want to do it safely and without too much stress. 

You’ll have to factor in several additional costs such as accommodation and the cost of food and drink along the way.

Driving from Florida to Massachusetts and vice versa is going to put lots of extra miles on your odometer. Increase wear on the engine, brakes, and tires. This all adds up in the long run.  

2. Hire someone to drive it for you

There are professional companies and individual drivers you can hire to drive your car. It’s often the case that drivers for these companies and people who offer such services are retirees or students who use this type of work to make extra money. 

On the upside, you’re getting a personal service, it’s quick, you can transport extra luggage, and you might even be able to hitch along for the ride.

However, on the downside, hiring a driver is often very expensive. You’re still putting unnecessary wear and tear on your car, and you might need to purchase additional insurance coverage for the driver. In addition, you might discover that finding a trustworthy driver is a challenge. 

3. Ask a friend or family member

Rather than hire someone you don’t know, perhaps you’ve got a friend or relative who could drive your car for you. This is a budget-friendly option, plus you know the person who’s going to be sitting behind the wheel of your car. 

Another benefit is the money you could save because you’ll be able to fill your car with extra luggage, saving on removal fees. 

However, the downsides include the unnecessary wear and tear on your vehicle and the need for additional insurance. Plus, you have to ask yourself, do you really know how good a driver they might be? 

4. Send it by plane

Not an option that immediately springs to mind, but it is a safe and quick way of shipping a car from Massachusetts to Florida. Nevertheless, the cost of car shipping from Massachusetts to Florida by plane is horrendously expensive. It’s really reserved for owners of antique, rare, exotic, expensive, or custom cars. For them, no expense is spared when it comes to shipping a car from Massachusetts to Florida and vice versa. 

5. Use auto transport from Massachusetts to Florida (and vice versa)

The fifth and final option is to use an auto transport service to ship a car to Florida from Massachusetts (and vice versa). It’s a very affordable option that thousands of people use every year. Even car dealerships take advantage of safe and secure auto transport services. 

You have several options when it comes to auto transport from Florida to Massachusetts, but an auto transport management service provides a very flexible service. They will organize all stages of the car shipping process for you, from arranging a carrier to delivering your car outside your front door. In addition, they have access to a vast network of insured, fully-vetted, reliable, and trustworthy carriers, so you don’t have to worry about a thing.

Choose auto transport from Florida to Massachusetts with an auto transport management provider, and you’ll get a swift service, with faster pick-up times and no restriction on the route. 

One final factor that makes this a sensible choice is that the customer service is typically top rate. They do everything they can to ensure your car is shipped from Florida to Massachusetts (and vice versa) as smoothly and stress-free as possible. They’ll be the go-between and deal with any issues professionally. In addition, they’ll make sure you’re kept up to date with the progress of your shipment.

Different types of auto transport services for car shipping from Massachusetts to Florida

You have several options for auto transport from Massachusetts to Florida (and vice versa). The two most common options are open car shipping and enclosed car shipping. 

• Open car shipping: Open car shipping is the most common car shipping service. Carriers transport vehicles on a large trailer that’s open on all sides. The trailer’s construction does offer a small amount of protection, but your vehicle is exposed to the elements. Why it’s such a popular option is that the service is very efficient. You can make arrangements at short notice, and carriers can transport a wide variety of vehicles. 

• Enclosed car shipping: Carriers who offer enclosed car shipping transport vehicles in a trailer that’s enclosed. It will have a roof and four sides and provide a safe and secure environment for the most precious of vehicles. In general, this type of auto transport service is popular with owners of antique, rare, or expensive cars. Enclosed car shipping is much safer and more secure than open car shipping, but you can expect to pay between 30% and 40% extra. 

How much does it cost to ship a car from Florida to Massachusetts (and vice-versa)

Trying to answer the question “How much to ship a car from Florida to Massachusetts?” is a difficult one to answer precisely. 

The cost to ship a car from Florida to Massachusetts is dependent on several factors, for example:

• The actual pick-up and delivery locations and the distance between two points
• Whether the carrier has to pick up and deliver your vehicle to a remote or metropolitan area
• The type of auto transport service you’ve chosen, for example, open vs. enclosed auto transport
• The make, model, and year of the car you want to ship
• Whether the vehicle is running or inoperable
• Whether the route you’ve chosen is a popular one
• The time of year
• Let’s not forget the current price of fuel also affects the overall cost of car shipping from Massachusetts to Florida

For an exact price, you can use an online instant quote calculator. Alternatively, why not pick up the phone and speak to us directly, or send us an email?

If you want to save a few bucks, consider the following:

• Book in advance
• Ask whether there are any discounts
• Choose the right type of auto transport service
• Pick the right time of the year
• Ensure your car is running
• Ship more than one car

How long does it take to ship a car from Florida to Massachusetts (and vice-versa)

Drivers who work for reliable auto transport companies can usually cover several hundred miles in a day. The time it takes for them to deliver your car depends on the distance they’ve got to travel.

But that’s not the only thing to consider. The time it takes for auto transport from Massachusetts to Florida can be split into two-time frames. First, there’s the time it takes for the carrier to come and pick up your car. The industry standard time frame is between one and five business days.

Then you’ve got to think about the time it takes to travel from Florida to Massachusetts and vice versa. For distances between 1,000 and 1,500 miles, the average transit time is 4-6 days. 

In addition, several factors can impact that transit time. For example:

• The number of stops the carrier has to make
• The flow of the traffic
• Weather conditions
• Detours
• Road construction
• Heavy traffic
• Whether the pick-up and delivery locations are remote, rather than a city   

How the process of shipping a car from Florida to Massachusetts (and vice-versa) works

The process of shipping a car is far more straightforward than you might imagine, provided you book with a reliable auto transport management company. All it takes is three simple steps.

Step 1: Get your personalized quote and make your booking

To determine how much to ship a car from Florida to Massachusetts, you can use the online quote calculator or speak directly with a shipping advisor. 

If you’re happy with the cost of auto transport from Florida to Massachusetts and vice versa, you make your booking. First, you’ll have to provide a few basic details, such as the locations for the pick-up and delivery. In addition, you’ll need to provide the make, model, and year of your vehicle and whether you want open or enclosed car shipping. You also need to confirm the first date your car will be ready for the carrier to collect.

Step 2: The carrier collects your vehicle

The carrier will arrive to collect your vehicle at the pre-arranged time. However, a few hours before you can expect a call to confirm the arrangements. 

When they arrive to pick up your vehicle, you and the driver must inspect its condition, carefully noting any existing damage on the Bill of Lading.

With the paperwork side of the process completed, the driver will load your vehicle onto the trailer and then be on their way. 

Step 3: Your vehicle is delivered

When the carrier is near the delivery location they will contact you again. This is just to make sure you’re going to be available to receive your vehicle. When the carrier arrives, you must inspect your vehicle to make sure everything is in order and then sign the Bill of Lading to accept the delivery.     

How to get a quote to ship a car from Florida to Massachusetts (and vice-versa)

A major concern is likely to be the cost of auto transport from Florida to Massachusetts (and vice versa). There are a plethora of auto transport companies to choose from, and a good place to start when you want the best auto transport company for you is to request several auto transport quotes and compare them. 

Every transport quote you get will be different, so you need to look closely at each one. Check the information you provided is correct because only then can you be certain you’re getting accurate car shipping quotes. You also need to be certain of what’s included in the price. Some companies charge additional fees, while others offer an all-inclusive price.

Getting a quote for auto transport from Florida to Massachusetts is a relatively simple process. In many cases, you can do it online. Inputting accurate information is vital, as your shipping requirements and details of the vehicle to be shipped determine the rates to ship a car to Florida from Massachusetts. Let’s give an idea of the details you’ll be required to provide:

• Pick-up and delivery locations (zip code)
• Whether you want open or enclosed car shipping
• The details of the vehicle and whether it’s running or not
• First available pick-up date
• Email and telephone number

You’ll find handy drop-down lists to help you with the year of manufacture for your vehicle, the make, and the model. 

You must provide an email address because this is where a copy of your quote will be sent. 

Once you’ve provided all the necessary details, you’ll be directed to another page where you’ll be able to view your quote. You’ll see all the details for your auto transport service, and you’ve got to check them very carefully. Typically, you’ll see the following:

• Details of your vehicle
• Location of the pick-up and delivery
• Whether your car is running or not
• The type of service required, for example, open or enclosed
• First shipping date
• Distance to be traveled
• Timeframe for deliver

If you want to know how much to ship a car from Florida to Massachusetts (and vice versa), get your instant quote today.  

How to find the best auto transport company to ship my car

Of course, you want the best auto transport company to ship your car, whether it’s from Florida to Massachusetts or vice versa. But how do you ensure you’ve found the right one? Cost is one factor, but it’s not the only thing to consider when shipping a car from Massachusetts to Florida. 

Here are some more factors to bear in mind:

• Licensed and authorized: Carriers and brokers must have a license issued by the FMCSA before they can transport vehicles. 
• Years of experience: Be very wary when you find a company that’s not been in business very long.
• Customer reviews: Customer reviews can be a good indicator of a company’s reputation.
• Shipping options available: Look for a company that offers a range of different services including open and enclosed car shipping.
• Insurance: All auto transport companies must provide cargo insurance. Make sure you ask for a copy of the policy.
• Door-to-door service: This is very convenient to look for because the carrier will pick up and deliver your vehicle as close to your chosen location as possible.
• Personal items: Some auto transport carriers, but not all, allow you to ship personal items in your car. 
• Read the small print: Before you sign anything, it’s vital that you read the small print closely, and ask any questions if there’s anything you’re unsure about.  

FAQs regarding shipping a car from Florida to Massachusetts (and vice-versa)

What documents do I need when shipping a car from Florida to Massachusetts (and vice versa)?

Very little paperwork is required when you ship a car to Massachusetts from Florida and vice versa. The first thing you have to do is fill out the paperwork that releases your vehicle to the carrier who picks up your vehicle. The second document you need to fill in is the Bill of Lading. This acts as a receipt for the vehicle and a record of any damage (such as dents, dings, or scratches) the car has before it gets shipped.

Is there anything I should do to get my car ready for transport?

If you want to enjoy a smooth car shipping service, you should do the following:

• Remove all important documents from your car
• Remove all personal items from your car
• Leave only 1/4 tank of gas in your car
• Have your ownership and shipping documents prepared
• Check your car battery to make sure it’s charged
• Make sure your tires are in good condition

Do I have to be present at the pick-up and delivery locations?

It is recommended but is by no means essential. You can appoint a third party to act as your representative. The only stipulation is that they must be 18 years of age or older.

How will I pay for the auto transport service?

A reliable auto transport provider will accept a variety of payment methods including major credit or debit cards, and any type of certified funds. They may also accept PayPal payments.

Is there any insurance to cover my car while it’s in transit?

It is a requirement that all auto transport companies maintain a valid insurance policy, so in answer to the question, yes, there will be insurance coverage for your car.

How long is a quote valid for?

This is something that varies between car shipping providers. You should expect it to be valid for at least seven days. If you don’t confirm your booking within that time frame, the company should be able to recalculate the cost to ship a car from Florida to Massachusetts. 

Pros and cons of moving to Massachusetts

Moving from one state to another is a pretty brave thing to do and it’s very likely you’ll find the move very challenging. However, it could very well be the best decision you make and there are many reasons why. 

Massachusetts is a small state located on the East Coast, sitting all nice and cozy between Vermont, New Hampshire, New York, Connecticut, and Rhode Island. As of 2018, the state had a population of nearly 7 million, with 80% of its residents living within the Greater Boston Area. 

It might be small in size but it’s one of the most densely populated areas in the United States, which of course comes with some pros and cons.

Let’s explore the pros of moving to The Bay State.

• Best educational institutions: If you’re moving as a family or you’re a student, you’ll be pleased to learn that Massachusetts is home to some of the best educational institutions in the world, including Harvard University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).
• Best hospitals: When it comes to health, Massachusetts is among the top states in disease prevention rankings. It is also home to the Massachusetts General Hospital and Brigham and Women’s Hospital. 
• Wealthy state: In 2019, Massachusetts ranked #4 out of the richest states in the US. The median income per household was more than $77,000.
• A safe place to live: Massachusetts is the #4 state in terms of public safety and corrections.
• Minimum wage: In 2021, Massachusetts offered one of the best minimum wages in the country at $13.50.
• Tons of history: Massachusetts has a bunch of activities for history lovers, from museums to historic towns.
• Surrounded by nature: The Bay State borders the Atlantic Ocean and has mountains and forests. 

But what about the downsides of moving to Massachusetts? 

• Cost of living: in 2018, the Bay State was the third most expensive place to live in America.
• Decisive weather: when it gets cold, it gets truly cold, and when the temperatures start to rise it can also get very, very hot. 
• Not so active: In some areas, you might find the nightlife disappointing.
• Insane traffic: the Greater Boston area, in particular, is a nightmare. Be prepared to face a lot of traffic every day of the week.
• Infrastructure: It might be the seventh smallest state in America, but it leaves much to be desired in terms of infrastructure, ranking #44 among all states.
• Population: The Bay State is the third most densely populated in the US and is also home to the most populous city in the New England region, Boston.      

Pros and cons of moving to Florida

Florida is a popular destination for people wanting to escape the winter months of weather, and it’s no wonder because its nickname is the Sunshine State. It’s the southernmost state of the United States and is known for its tropical climate, diverse wildlife, and plentiful beaches. 

It’s actually a quite big and varied state. The Miami area feels like New York transposed to the Caribbean. The panhandle area, which includes cities such as Tallahassee, on the other hand, has more of a southern feel. The Orlando area is very touristy, and the Florida Keys are totally unique.

Let’s take a brief look at the advantages of moving to the Sunshine State.

• No state income taxes: Florida residents pay no state income taxes. There are only a few affordable states in the US without individual tax requirements. In 2004, Florida also repealed estate taxes and investment taxes on intangible assets like stocks and bonds. 
• Reasonable cost of living: Living costs aren’t extremely high given how popular the state has become. US News ranks Florida in the middle of the pack when it comes to its cost of living affordability rankings. 
• Robust economic opportunities: Florida’s economy is one of the largest in the country, right up there with The Lone Star State. Some of the largest industries in the state include tourism, financial services, aerospace and aviation, and agriculture. 
• Plenty of recreational options: There are plenty of fun things to do in Florida, for example, it boasts nearly 1,200 miles of coastline. Sports and outdoor activities are numerous and water activities are popular. There are also many theme and amusement parks in Florida, for example, Walt Disney World Resort alone has 6 parks. 
• Lots of sunshine and warm weather: Florida averages about 2,800 hours of sunlight per year, which is almost 8 hours a day on average. Average daily temperatures are about 71 degrees,  

And now for the downsides:

• High probabilities for extreme weather: Extreme weather can hit in several ways. Summers are hot and you can expect temperatures well into the 90s during June through August. Thunderstorms can also be very severe. 
• Negative effects of urbanization: Population growth and visitors mean heavy traffic on the roads and a higher than average crime rate across the state. 
• High costs for insurance: Severe weather and the high number of traffic accidents mean a high cost for insurance.
• High fees and sales taxes: You might not have to pay individual income taxes, but the state dings residents for sales tax and other fees. 
• Pesky and dangerous wildlife: Because of the water, heat, and humidity, Florida has a problem with insects, many of them big ones. Mosquitoes, ants, bees, wasps, and biting midges are plentiful. There are also 40 different snake species that call Florida home. And lastly, let’s not forget about the alligators as they are everywhere in Florida.   

Final thoughts

If you’re moving to Massachusetts or Florida, the cost of car shipping might seem like an expense you can do without. However, your car is a major investment, which means you should do everything you can to protect its value. Make use of auto transport services when moving from Florida to Massachusetts and you’ll also enjoy a worry-free move, knowing your car is in safe hands.

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